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CMA CGM is updating the schedule for its SAFRAN service – which connects Northern Europe with the East Coast of South America – with the aim of enhancing operational stability and mitigating the risk of schedule disruptions. These updates are designed to improve service reliability and facilitate more efficient shipping planning for customers on this key transatlantic trade lane.

During the World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition 2026 in Rotterdam, a new partnership – LAUNCH2 – was officially launched with the aim of accelerating the development of hydrogen technologies in the region. This initiative brings together the Port of Rotterdam Authority, the Municipality of Rotterdam, the Municipality of Schiedam, the Province of South Holland, InnovationQuarter, TU Delft, TNO, and Smart Delta Drechtsteden. The partnership was established to foster a more coordinated development of regional hydrogen value chains and to strengthen Rotterdam’s position as one of Europe’s key hydrogen hubs.

The Swiss railway company SBB is continuing to reform its single-wagon transport system (EWLV) and will implement a new operating model starting in December 2026. The primary objective of this change is to increase train utilization, reduce costs, and ensure the long-term economic sustainability of rail freight transport. This decision is driven by requirements from the Swiss federal authorities, mandating that freight operations become self-sustaining by 2033.

AD Ports Group has agreed to acquire 100% of the core business of Germany-based MBS Logistics for AED 300 million, equivalent to approximately $81.7 million. The transaction excludes the company’s joint ventures and is expected to close in the second half of 2026, following approval from European regulatory authorities. Through this acquisition, AD Ports aims to strengthen its market presence in Germany and Central Europe.

Polish operator Loconi Intermodal will launch a regular intermodal rail service between the Baltic Hub terminal in Gdańsk and the Paskov terminal in Ostrava on 22 May.

Effective May 21, 2026, WEC Lines is launching a new weekly rail service in Spain, connecting Agoncillo and Zaragoza with Barcelona. This new route forms part of the company’s intermodal network and strengthens its link with the ESC maritime service, which serves the Canary Islands.

The Canadian technology company Geotab has released a study titled “The Cost of Standing Still” – part of its European Freight Efficiency Index – in which it analyzed the efficiency of freight transport in European capital cities. Berlin topped the rankings, scoring 61 out of 100 points thanks to its steady traffic flow and well-developed urban infrastructure. Madrid posted the worst result, scoring just 25 points – representing a 144% efficiency gap between the two cities.

Region Skåne and Skånetrafiken have awarded VR Sverige a new contract to operate the Pågatågen regional rail services in southern Sweden.

The Tender Commission has officially launched the competitive dialogue phase as part of the concession tender for the transfer of management rights for the first universal and container terminals at the Port of Chornomorsk. At this stage, potential investors have gained access to the basic terms of the concession, as well as technical and financial information regarding the project; they have also begun analyzing the assets and preparing their own proposals. All tender participants have already signed Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).